In a show of dedication to safeguarding public health, the administration of Enugu State Governor Barr. Peter Mbah reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a polio-free status
The Honourable commissioner for Health Prof. Emmanuel Obi made this known during a press briefing held by the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization, WHO in observance of World Polio Day.
World Polio Day, celebrated annually on October 24, aims to highlight global efforts to eradicate polio and emphasize the importance of vaccination to protect children against this debilitating disease. Notably, Nigeria was certified polio-free in August 2020, marking a significant milestone in the country’s health efforts.
Prof. Obi, represented by Chinwe Anibeze, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the government’s intention to sustain the polio-free status by implementing strengthened surveillance systems, enhancing immunization coverage, and addressing ongoing challenges that impede progress.
He called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders in the fight against polio, stating, “Together, we can achieve this goal and ensure a healthier future for our children.”
He also acknowledged the vital support received from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners in the vaccination efforts for children.
“Enugu State has made remarkable progress in reducing the incidence of polio. The last case of wild poliovirus recorded was in 2019, a success attributed to the collaborative efforts of all involved stakeholders,” Prof. Obi noted.
He continued, “However, we must remain vigilant to uphold our polio-free status by bolstering our surveillance systems, enhancing immunization coverage, and tackling misinformation.”
“Over the past year, significant milestones in polio eradication initiatives have been achieved in collaboration with WHO and other partners,”he said.
The State coordinator of WHO, Enugu State, Dr. Adaeze Ugwu highlighted the agency’s support to the state and Nigeria in general to ensure polio free status.
She said that WHO support state to train local security, (neighborhood watch) to be part of the vaccination teams in a compromised security areas, to ensure that every child get vaccinated.
She said, “The agency helps in vaccination campaigns to immunizing all eligible children 0-59 months through supplemental immunization activities
“Enhancing disease surveillance to quickly detect and respond to AFP cases; supporting the DSNOs and their Assistants in ensuring that all cases are detected early, reported, investigated and samples taken to the lab. Strengthening health System by building stronger health facilities to deliver vaccines and other essential health services,” She said.
She continued, “WHO also has a strong dedicated workforce on the ground, the APHO, Surveillance Officer, LGAFs, & Field Volunteers who ensure that all surveillance activities for Polio and other diseases are conducted at the HFs, Ward, LGA and State Levels.
“WHO also supports the state by engaging the community informants and surveillance focal persons at settlement and health facilities levels, respectively, ensuring early detection and reporting of AFP cases”.
